Ethoxydiglycol , also known as diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, is a versatile solvent and carrier fluid used in the cosmetic and personal care industry. It is highly valued for its excellent solubilizing properties, making it an essential ingredient in various formulations such as creams, lotions, serums, and hair care products.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Ethoxydiglycol is a glycol ether with the chemical formula C6H14O3. It consists of two ethylene glycol units linked by an ether bond and terminated with an ethoxy group. This structure imparts unique properties that enhance the performance of cosmetic formulations. The specific chemical composition includes:

Chemical Formula: C6H14O3
Molecular Weight: 134.17 g/mol
Structure: HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH3
Physical Properties
Ethoxydiglycol is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild odor. It is completely miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents, which makes it highly effective in dissolving a wide range of cosmetic ingredients. Its physical properties include:

Boiling Point: 194°C (381.2°F)
Density: 1.025 g/cm³
Viscosity: Low viscosity, allowing for easy formulation and application.
Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Solvent: Ethoxydiglycol is an excellent solvent for many cosmetic ingredients, including active substances, dyes, and fragrances. It enhances the solubility of ingredients that are otherwise difficult to dissolve in water or oils.

Penetration Enhancer: This ingredient helps improve the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, increasing their effectiveness.

Humectant: Ethoxydiglycol has moisture-attracting properties that help to maintain skin hydration, making it beneficial in moisturizers and hydrating serums.

Emollient: It provides a smooth, non-greasy feel to formulations, enhancing the texture and spreadability of creams and lotions.

Stabilizer: Ethoxydiglycol helps to stabilize formulations, preventing the separation of ingredients and extending the shelf life of the product.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Ethoxydiglycol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing, making it suitable for all skin types. However, as with all chemical ingredients, it should be used and disposed of responsibly to minimize environmental impact. Proper formulation and usage guidelines ensure that products containing Ethoxydiglycol are safe and effective for consumers.

Cosmetic Safety

Restricted cosmetic ingredient as III/297 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: Based on the information provided, the SCCP is of the opinion that the use of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) in all cosmetic products, except products for oral hygiene and eye products at a concentrations up to 1.5% does not pose a risk to the health of the consumer, provided that the level of ethylene glycol in DEGEE used is < 0.2%.
The opinion relates to the dermal application. It does not include any other cosmetic exposure, such as exposure from possible aerosol/spray products. (ETHER, DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL. Opinion on diethylene glycol monoethyl ether DEGEE. European Commission, 2013.)

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Solvent. It is the substance for dissolving or dispersing surfactants, oils, dyes, flavourings, bactericidal preservatives in solution.In fact, it dissolves other components present in a cosmetic formulation. Solvents are generally liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous).

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:

CAS: 111-90-0 EC number 203-919-7